Thanks to the gracious invitation from GP, I had the opportunity to meet and have my books signed by Mireille Guiliano, the writer of the best selling book French Women Don’t get Fat. Madame Guiliano was in town last week for the launch of her new book, French Women for All Seasons which, if it is anything like her first book, is bound to be a winner.

She was extremely articulate in speaking to the crowd gathered around her at a local bookstore. Being President and CEO of Veuve Clicquot Inc, the Veuve flowed freely through the evening (a very nice treat at a book signing, I must say), and there were delectable hors d’oeuvres to accompany the Champagne. She talked to us about what it took to pull her second book together, and also about the feedback she has received on her first book. She humourously noted that her French friends disagreed with her publishing “their” secrets, but now that she has, there is no going back. She has the good fortune of splitting her time between New York and Paris equally, but admits that the food/work/life balance is somehow a bit more within the reach of the average person in Europe versus North America. She also reminded everyone not to bother buying tomatoes this time of the year, it’s just not worth it.

I look forward to burying myself into her latest collection of recipes, secrets and general life lessons, it will be a perfect treat over the holidays. If you are interested in any inspiration regarding food and managing the balance between sustenance and pleasure, I would highly recommend these books to you.